CINDY WILLIAMS

Executive Director

Cindy Williams is the Executive Director of Lion’s Heart Teen Volunteers and Leaders. She graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing/Fashion Merchandising. Over the last 20 years, she has put her talents to use volunteering in fundraising efforts for Saddleback Church, NEGU/The Jessie Rees Foundation, as well as her sons' schools and youth and high school sports programs. She loves being involved in helping others and seeing the difference she is making in the lives of all those she has touched. She enjoys volunteering and serving others, whether in the Children’s Ministry at Saddleback Church, or helping in Saddleback’s Mission’s Department. She went on a mission as part of Saddleback's first Peace Trip to Kenya, Africa. With vast knowledge of the nonprofit sector and expertise in fundraising and event planning, she brings her unmatched skills to the Lion’s Heart team. Most recently, Cindy was the Event Manager for the Providence Mission Hospital Foundation responsible for designing, managing, and conducting a comprehensive special events program for the Foundation. Prior to that, she worked as the Director of Development at Mission Viejo Christian School and was in charge of all fundraising efforts as well as building relationships within the school and the community. Cindy has three boys James, Justin, and Jaden. James graduated from Cal Poly, SLO and recently married his high school sweetheart Kaitlin. Justin is beginning his fifth year at UCLA where he played four years of football for the Bruins. Jaden attends Mission Viejo High School and plans to play college football next year. They have a dog named Charger, after their favorite NFL team. Hobbies include her love of photography, and sharing her photos with others. She especially enjoys sports photography and is on the field capturing action shots weekly during high school football games. When not working, she can be found hiking, working out, going to the beach, and spending time with her family. Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with ALL of your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths,” is her favorite Bible verse. It reminds her on a daily basis that God has a plan for her life, and that she needs to trust Him. This verse is also her family’s life verse.

STEPHANIE ROGERS

Marketing/Creative Director

Stephanie Rogers is the Marketing/Creative Director for Lion's Heart and is responsible for marketing, web and app design, graphic design, and product development. Stephanie graduated from Appalachian State University in North Carolina with a Bachelor’s degree in Communicative Disorders, California State University, Northridge with a Master’s degree in Audiology, and a degree in Graphic Design. She has owned her own freelance graphic design firm and has worked as a freelance graphic designer for clients for the past 13 years. Stephanie is very involved in Fragile X Research, and has been involved in numerous non-profit organizations related to kids, teens, and children with special needs. Steph also has two adorable furry mutts and in her spare time enjoys art, painting, gardening, tennis, and curling up with a good book.

SHARI CUSHMAN

Volunteer Outreach Manager

Shari Cushman is the Volunteer Outreach Manager. Her role with Lion’s Heart is to communicate with nonprofit organizations and coordinate all volunteer opportunities for the members. She first became involved with Lion’s Heart in 2005 when her middle son, Connor, became a member. In 2009, she became a Class Coordinator for her youngest son, Eric. She also has a daughter, Kara. Shari is originally from Colorado. She graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder with a BA in Communications. In 1990, the Cushmans moved to California. Shari has volunteered for Junior League, Assistance League and held PTA board positions at her children’s schools when they were young. When Shari isn’t traveling now to visit her grown children and grandbaby, she enjoys hiking, biking, tennis and pickleball with friends.

DAWN WOOD

Volunteer Services Manager/Awards Manager

Dawn is Lion's Heart Volunteer Services Manager and oversees all awards given to members. She is responsible for member support, merchandise, and processing all of the awards for our members. These awards include the national President's Volunteer Service Awards, the Torchbearer Award®, and the Golden Lion awards. Dawn ships all of these awards to each Class Coordinator in May, unless the group is included in a larger chapter (150+ members) that will hold an awards event. In that case, the awards for all groups in that chapter will be sent to the Chapter President, along with award supplies, as needed.She first became involved in Lion’s Heart in 2010 when her daughter, Allison, became a member. In 2011, she became a Class Coordinator for her son, Andrew. In addition to being a Class Coordinator, Dawn was the Event Chairperson for the CA-Trabuco Canyon-Coto chapter in 2013 and repeated the position in 2014. Dawn graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a Bachelor degree in Speech Communication. She enjoys being outside, hiking, swimming or resting at the beach while spending time with her family. Dawn and her husband, Brad, have two children.

DOMINIC MACIEL

Program Manager

After serving two years as a CalSERVES AmeriCorps VIP Fellow with Lion’s Heart, Dominic has taken on the role of Lion’s Heart Program Manager.Dominic obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, with an emphasis in Public Relations from California State University-Fullerton.Dominic is passionate about providing Lion’s Heart members with the tools they need to succeed and connecting teen volunteers to community organizations and causes they care about. As Program Manager, Dominic is responsible for implementing programs that support and expand the services of Lion’s Heart for its members.